The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this week approved a resolution declaring agricultural land critical infrastructure, supporting the local industry amid addressing economic and environmental challenges.
With this effort, the Board of Supervisors, which also serve as the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, will direct county departments and partner agencies to coordinate support for the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Sonoma County. The resolution will center on a work plan aimed at better preserving land and supporting farmers facing increasing operational costs and market instability.
“Agriculture is essential to Sonoma County’s economy, environment and identity,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors, in a release sent out by the county Wednesday. “The workers, farmers and ranchers who feed our communities and care for our land are facing real challenges right now. This action reflects the county’s commitment to supporting the people behind our agricultural economy and helping agriculture remain viable for future generations.”
The approved work plan will carry out short-term actions over the next year and long-term policy shifts in the county’s General Plan update. With input gathered from farmers, ranchers and agriculture organizations and agencies in April, the work plan is intended to support county residents across all agricultural operations.
More specifically, the plan will update agritourism policies, support crop rotation flexibility, review current agricultural land use policies and strengthen food security programs.
Various county departments and outside organizations — including the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures, Permit Sonoma, Sonoma County Ag and Open Space and the University of California Cooperative Extension — will lead the initiatives.
‘More than an industry’
In Sonoma County, agriculture is central to the regional identity, bringing in 18% of the total economy, while supporting 34,000 jobs, nearly 2,000 businesses and more than $10 billion in annual economic activity, the county said.
According to a Sonoma County Crop Report from 2024, the county’s agricultural products declined 9.3% in value that year. Local food production has also suffered from labor shortages, climate adaptation pressures and loss of vineyards and dairies, making it difficult to continue sustainability of agricultural land and the local economy, according to the county.
“Agriculture is more than an industry in Sonoma County, it’s part of who we are,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who served on the board ad hoc committee. “Over the past year, I have met with farmers, ranchers, and dairies who have shared the real challenges they’re facing, from rising costs to increasing uncertainty. The people who work this land are doing everything they can to adapt, and they deserve County partners who are willing to work alongside them. Today’s action is a commitment to that partnership.”